| A combination of time-resolved force and imaging techniques was applied to the study of laser ablation of liquids. The dominant mechanism of force generation by laser ablation of liquid was determined and the influence of surface vs. volume absorption was examined at length. Dependence of propulsion parameters (such as the coupling coefficient) on absorption depth, irradiance, surface curvature, and container geometry, were examined for various liquids, and the dominant force-generation mechanism was determined. Recommendations as to the use of these liquids in laser propulsion are made, and values for relevant propulsion parameters such as I sp, Cm, etc., are derived. |
